Sloane had 33 possessions, collected nine clearances, kicked three goals and laid seven tackles in a game Sanderson said people would "talk about for a long time".
"I know we'll talk about Rory Sloane's game for a long time as well. His importance around our midfield today was exceptional," Sanderson said.
Sloane's ferocious attack on both the football and the man displayed his strong intent and set a high standard for his teammates.
Sloane's third goal at a critical stage late in the game, with the Crows trailing by a point, sparked Adelaide's late surge.
Sanderson was gushing in his praise for his young star.
"He (Sloane) was incredible. He was inspirational, the way that he played today," he said.
"We had to scrap and fight so that win was good for the team because it shows when the chips are down and a side is coming at you that we can reverse the momentum and then just run away with it. We're obviously thrilled."
Teammate Taylor Walker said Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield had taken their football to another level and the Adelaide midfield was no longer reliant on Scott Thompson.
"They have all been unbelievable for us this year," he said.
"And the difference is that we really are sharing the load. We always set ourselves in the midfield to win the inside ball now and then try and spread on them and get the outside ball."
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter - @AFL_BenGuthrie
